Buying a Ride

Writers: Leigh M-F., Paula
Date Posted: 30th May 2016

Characters: G'dori, Eionen
Description: Hitchhiking, Pern style.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 6, day 26 of Turn 8

The small caravan Eionen was riding with had tried to reach Dolphin Cove before it started raining. They really had; he couldn't fault them for the attempt. But it had come so quickly, Eionen had gotten soaked before he could get off another borrowed runner and into one of the wagons. He literally had to wring out his hair, his vest, his sash, and his tunic while balancing near one of the doors so he wouldn't leave puddles everywhere.

One of the aunties had offered to give him an old shirt so he wouldn't be stuck with entirely damp clothing, but it hadn't fit, so Eionen had politely declined the offer. Now he looked rather bedraggled, but he hoped that would work in his favor. So before he found a hot bath and put on the change of clothes in his travel bag, before he shaved and gave his hair a trim, he went looking for a dragonrider, entering the dining cavern to do so.

"Man, you look like a drowned puppy," G'dori remarked. He had been fetching a refill to his group of friends and was carrying a pitcher of ale.

"I would be insulted, but I did have a puppy as a child, and he really did resemble me at bathtime," Eionen replied with a half smile. He sized G'dori up and noted his youthful looks, and the colors of his knots. Young and low on the chain of command; that usually meant extra earnings were appreciated. "Would you be busy tomorrow, greenrider? I need to buy a long-distance ride to Citrus Bay Hold." Saying that filled him with apprehension.

"I might, I might not, it depends," Ged replied with a eloquent shrug and tone of voice that indicated he was willing to bargain. A dragonrider could always earn few marks by doing transport and Ged was not going to spit on potential earnings.

"I have two Marks," Eionen said bluntly. The wood discs were literally the last of his earnings, unless he could persuade someone into letting him perform for the Weyr inhabitants tonight once he cleaned up.

Ged made a quick count in his head. Yes, that would get him enough marks to buy the nice tunic he's been coveting. "I can take you there for that prize," G'dori replied. "Just one-way, though, not sticking around to wait."

"That's perfectly acceptable," Eionen said. He didn't want anyone to witness the next step anyway. He brought his travel bag around, loosened the cinches, and took one of the Marks from an inner pocket meant to hold small objects. He handed the money over. "Here is the down payment. Now, would you mind telling me where to find the baths, please? I really need to make myself presentable, or people might start patting me on the head and saying what a good boy I am."

Ged gave him directions to the communal baths. "The lower caverns are bit of a maze, so don't hesitate to ask if you take a wrong turn. People get lost here all the time," he adviced helpfully.

"Thank you very much, greenrider. Would I be able to find you again to discuss a time of departure once I'm done?"

"I'll be here whole evening," Ged replied and pointed the table he and his friend had taken over.

"Excellent. Thank you again. I should be back shortly," Eionen said, bowing slightly. "Enjoy your beverage."

"No probs, see you around," Ged replied with a carefree waive.

Last updated on the July 18th 2016

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Buying a Ride